Pet Blood Bank donation session – Tuesday 11th August

We’re teaming up Pet Blood Bank to provide a centre for them to perform regular blood donation sessions.

You do not need to be a registered client of Eastcott Vets for your dog to be able to help other patients.  Join us for our first session with Pet Blood Bank on Tuesday 11th August 2020! 

Eastcott Veterinary Referrals provide lifesaving blood transfusions for anaemic dogs. However, we couldn’t provide this emergency treatment without you and your furry friend’s help! Every unit of blood that your dog donates, can help save the lives of up to four other dogs around the UK.

To be a blood donor, your dog must be:

  • Fit and healthy
  • Between 1 – 8 years old
  • Weigh more than 25kg
  • Have a good temperament
  • Have never travelled abroad
  • Be vaccinated
  • Not on any medication 

If your dog meets these criteria, and you’re keen for them to help save lives, please contact Leanne Price on 01793 528341 or via leanne.price@eastcottvets.co.uk  

Here is just one example of the difference your donation can make.

Heidi’ story……..

Heidi, a 9-year-old female Dachshund, was referred to Eastcott Referrals’ emergency and critical care service in February 2020 due to a history of progressive lethargy and exercise intolerance. Her oral mucous membranes were white and she was severely anaemic (PCV 10%; normal range 35 – 55%). This warranted a blood transfusion to increase her circulating red blood cells to an acceptable level.

Heidi required 2 blood transfusions to raise her PCV to 31%. Additional diagnostic tests performed by Eastcott Referrals’ internal medicine service diagnosed her with non-regenerative immune mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA). This is a condition in which the body destroys red blood cells and prevents the bone marrow from producing new red blood cells to replace the ones being destroyed. Heidi started immunosuppressive treatment for her medical condition.

Pet Blood Bank

Although Heidi has required regular check-ups at Eastcott Referrals, her bone marrow has started to produce new blood cells and her PCV has stabilised at 38%. Four months later and Heidi has now stopped all medication; the internal medicine service is thrilled with how her condition has responded!

Thankfully in the UK, the Pet Blood Bank are able to work similarly to the human blood bank. They collect blood from donor dogs to distribute across the country for dogs like Heidi. This vital service is life saving for dogs who lose excessive blood due to medical conditions, challenging surgeries or serious injuries such as road traffic accidents.

They have over 11,000 generous canine donors registered to aid in saving lives; however, stocks are currently in high demand. Please contact Eastcott Referrals’ blood transfusion nurse Leanne Price if you are interested in find out whether your own dog could help contribute to saving the lives of other critical dogs like Heidi.